*******************************************************************

As part of Smithtown’s initiative to assist local shelters with overcrowding and to welcome more prospective families, the Smithtown Animal and Adoption Center welcomed four recently relocated dogs in need of loving “Furrever” homes. All four canine companions were previously guests at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Prior to relocation, the dogs were medically and behaviorally vetted. Each have been given a healthy bill of health and are considered to be highly adoptable.

“This is a no brainer for us. We’re saving the lives of so many more dogs this way by reducing the population of neighboring shelters. We’re giving more Smithtown residents the chance to find that perfect soul mate, new family member or best friend for life. I want to especially thank our incredible team of animal control officers, veterinary and behavioral specialists who have worked so hard to ensure the success of this program. And I want to encourage all Smithtown residents to come down and visit with these lovable pups and our cats… all who deserve a second chance at a permanent home.” - Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo

The relocation initiative is designed with two primary objectives in mind. First and foremost, to find loving homes for healthy, adoptable dogs who might not get the same chance elsewhere due to overcrowding. And secondly, to increase public awareness about the Smithtown Animal Shelter. This in turn leads to many beneficial resources including new volunteers, repeat adoptions or visitors, word of mouth campaigns, charitable donations and foster homes. The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Center is able to successfully orchestrate this controlled program while maintaining the annual budget at no expense to the quality of life, health or care of the animals.

WillowRoxyOreoOreo is a 9 month old mantle Great Dane/Pitbull mix. This sweet and playful pup is great for all loving homes. He is the quintessential family dog.

Willow is a two year old Pitbull mix who is a great family pet. She is a whole Rexbody wagger, guaranteed to give you the best welcome home greeting daily. Willow is okay with some dogs but not cats. She would love some kids to call her own.

Roxy is a three year old Rottweiler/Shepherd mix, housebroken and good with dogs. She is calm yet playful and walks very well on lead. Roxy would do best in a home with kids over 15 years old.

Rex is a two year old blue nosed Pit who knows how handsome he is. Great with other dogs, but not a fan of cats. Rex is a sweet, fun boy. He is housebroken and would do well in a home with kids over 12 years old.

In late fall 2017, Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo came up with the idea to pursue a relocation initiative when she came across a desperate Facebook post via the Babylon Animal Shelter page. A large quantity of dogs were rescued from a fighting ring, leaving the Babylon shelter inundated with no space (as the Babylon shelter was currently in the process of building a state-of-the-art facility to house more animals). After a vigorous effort by the Town Attorney, Public Safety director Chief John Valentine, Deputy Chief Kevin McPadden, the team of Animal Control Officers, Veterinary & Behavioral Specialists and with the support of the Babylon Animal Shelter, five dogs were relocated to Smithtown. Four were immediately adopted out. Loki a 3-4 year old Lab/Shepherd mix is eagerly awaiting to find the perfect family to call his own. The biggest victories were in finding perfect homes for three of the shelters canine guests who resided in the shelter for years.

Did You Know:

According to the ASCPA, Relocation programs can be essential to stopping needless euthanasia of adoptable animals due to shelter overcrowding.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Center will gladly coordinate a meet and greet at your family home to help integrate the new family member with other animals and the home itself.

Interested residents who wish to meet with these and other dogs or cats at the Animal & Adoption Center, should allow for at least one hour to visit.

Reader Comments (1)

Glad to know there are more dogs for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. (When I was visited, there were only two dogs available for consideration.) There seems to be a lot of controversy - hopeful that these new dogs find homes soon!